Sunday, December 28, 2014

Frederick County homes have roofs of every conceivable type. Inspection schedules and costs to repair and replace are different with each type. Today's blog post on roof maintenance comes from Vince Petrolle of Prospect Mortgage. Vince is a local mortgage lender and you can contact him about any mortgage questions you may have including refinancing. His cell: 301-461-1734, email: Vince.Petrolle@ProspectMortgage.com. Read on to see what is required for your roof type.

How to Inspect and Maintain Your RoofPitched roofs should be inspected
at least once every two years. To check the condition of an
asphalt-shingle roof, go to the sunniest side and bend the corner of a
few shingles. If they’re brittle and crack, a new roof might be in
order. Other tell-tale signs an asphalt roof is beyond its prime: curled
tiles and bare spots where the shiny ceramic mineral granules are
missing.

Flat roofs should be inspected annually.
Keep an eye out for ponding, or standing water in the form of puddles
after a rain, or dry pockets filled with residual debris. Such areas may
need to be built up to assure water properly drains to the downspouts.

If your asphalt, often called composition roofing,
is in need of repair, you may have a couple of options. If there’s a
single layer of asphalt shingles, you might consider nailing over an
existing roof versus tearing off the existing shingles. This is called a
reroof. If there are two or more layers of asphalt shingles on a roof, a
tear off will be required. Also, be sure to check local housing codes;
some regulate the maximum number of nail-overs.

Wood shingles in need of being replaced will crack, warp and reveal larger than normal gaps between shingles. Aged tile roofs may show signs of cracking. The flashing
(meaning the plastic or metal weather stripping) around the chimney and
any vent pipes also need to be inspected. Gaps can occur along flashing
joints and this is often the source of water damage.

For an indoor roof inspection,
look for sagging ceilings or stains that indicate water damage. In the
attic, search for moist, dark spots on the roof deck. After rain, if
these spots are wet, there’s a problem.Attic vents should be periodically checked
to be sure they’re clear of obstruction. Insufficient venting can
damage your shingles and invalidate the manufacturer's warranty.

Clean your gutters annually
and keep an eye out for algae and moss. Both can weaken roofing
materials. You can prevent algae and moss growth by installing zinc
strips along the ridge of the roof. Water running over zinc washes
minute amounts of zinc carbonate over the roof, killing the moss and
algae.

What It Costs to Replace a Roof

Roofing costs vary depending
on the type of roof. The number of obstacles on the roof, such as
chimneys and vents, as well as the pitch of the roof, can greatly alter
the cost of roof repairs. The cost of roof repairs are measured in
squares: One square — an industry term — equals 100 square feet of roof
and usually includes the cost of both labor and materials.

Generally speaking,
a composition roof — often sold in good/better/best selections — costs
between $150 and $250 per square and has a lifespan of 15 years to 30
years. A reroof — nailing over an existing roof versus tearing off the
existing shingles — costs approximately $135 to $200 per square, not
much of a savings, particularly when you consider it alters the
material warranty of the new layer.

Concrete tile runs between
$350 and $450 per square, and clay tile ranges from $400 to $500 per
square. Both have a life expectancy of 25 years to 50 years. The
classic cedar roof or fire-treated wooden shake costs between $550 and
$650 per square and has a lifespan of 10 years to 20 years.

Costs for a single-ply membrane on
a flat roof are between $250 and $400 per square. Thermoset membranes
can be warranted up to 30 years. Tar and gravel roofs cost between $250
and $350 per square and have a lifespan of 10 years to 20 years,
depending on the regions weather severity.

Before installing any roofing material, read
the warranty’s fine print. With any roofing material, proper
installation is crucial and regular maintenance by the owner is
required.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

The City of Frederick's December 2014 E-Newsletter is
posted below. If you have any questions or suggestions direct them to
Susan Harding, the Public Information Coordinator, and author of the
newsletter: susan@cityoffrederick.com. The topics for this month's
newsletter are shown below and the articles follow. See the archives for
other issues.

Mayor McClement has set aside the 4th Tuesday of each month from 2-6
p.m. to meet informally with citizens to discuss topics or issues of
their choice. The next "Talk with the Mayor Tuesday" will be held on December 23rd.
The
Mayor's office is located in City Hall at 101 North Court St. No
appointment is necessary and citizens meet with the Mayor on a first
come; first serve basis.
For more information, contact Nikki Bamonti at 301-600-3835 or email nbamonti@cityoffrederick.com

"I have been very
pleased with the wide range of topics brought to the table during the
Talk to the Mayor Tuesdays. Talking with residents in a casual
atmosphere, hearing their questions and concerns and having the
opportunity to address these items directly is exactly what I had in
mind for these open door events." - Mayor Randy McClement.

Christmas Tree Drop Off Sites

The City of Frederick Christmas Tree Drop Off and Recycling Program
begins Monday, December 29, 2014 and continues through Saturday, January
31, 2015.
To find out where to take your holiday greens, visit Christmas Tree Recycling.

Tips for Curbside Recycling in Winter

Winter weather could affect curbside recycling service. Knowing when to
set your blue cart out is easy - there is an free app for that and
more! Download the free app at My Waste.

The Frederick Community Action Agency (FCAA) accepts a wide range of donations
including monetary donations which are tax-deductible. For more
information about making a donation, please contact Sarah McAleavy,
Coordinator, at 301-600-6263 or smcaleavy@cityoffrederick.com.

Dill Avenue/Rosemont Avenue Water Line Replacement Project

The
City of Frederick Department of Public Works will be installing two new
sections of the main water line along Rosemont Avenue from College
Avenue to Fairview Avenue. Once the project is completed, the area will
be milled and overlaid. This project is expected to be completed in the
Fall of 2015. For more information, contact Keith Brown, Assistant
Deputy Director of Operations at 301-600-1182 or email keith@cityoffrederick.com.

Tickets are now on sale for the Weinberg Center for the Arts 2014-15
Season. This includes season events as well as The Frederick Speakers
Series, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra season subscription and Flying Dog
Movies. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Weinberg
Center 2014-15 Season. Hint - Tickets and vouchers make great stocking stuffers!

Free Holiday Parking in Downtown

The City of Frederick Parking Department is pleased to announce FREE Holiday Parking in Downtown Frederick on the following days:

Every Weekend (from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day)
- Saturdays and Sundays from 8am Saturday to 6am Monday in all 5 City
parking garages and at parking meters - normal rates apply after 6am on
Mondays.

The
56th Frederick Police Training Academy commenced on November 17th at
the Charles V. Main Training Center beginning a 7 month long course of
study and practical application. The 22 students will receive intensive
training in a variety of areas. Graduation is scheduled for June 26,
2015.

Drug Collection Unit
Do
you have outdated prescription drugs, old over the counter medicines,
Rx's that are no longer needed? Please do not flush the drugs down the
toilet. Frederick City now has a permanent MedReturn Drug Collection
Unit. For more information visit FPD MedReturn.

Dirt is moving at the far east end of Carroll Creek. Construction
equipment, materials and crews are turning their attention to this side
of Carroll Creek as a part of the Phase II construction. For more great
pictures of the progress, visitour blog.

Alert Frederick County

Emergency Notification SystemWeather Alerts, Traffic Alerts & More

Sign up for weather, traffic, and other specific notices and updates at Alert Frederick County Emergency Alert Notification Center.

Employment Opportunities

The City of Frederick values diversity in its workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. For information on employment with The City of Frederick, visit the following links: Job Opportunities

I hate to mention it, but winter is here, and snow will inevitably come our way. Personally I love snow and I even like to shovel it. Of course my sidewalk is only about 16 ft wide and the walk leading to it is about the same distance, so I am not spending much time shoveling, even in the worst of weather. Frederick City has rules about snow removal and which streets can not be parked upon during a declared snow emergency. You can print out a snow tips and reminders document at this address on the city website: http://www.cityoffrederick.com/documentcenter/view/1107
Among other things, it explains the following:

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SNOW REMOVAL?
Within 12 hours after the snow stops falling, a person owning or occupying a lot, or part of a lot, abutting a City sidewalk shall remove the snow and ice from the abutting sidewalk for a width of 4 feet, or the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.

If the owner or occupant fails to remove the snow and ice a Code official shall place a “Notice of Violation” in a conspicuous place on the property notifying the property owner or occupant to remove the snow and ice.If the property owner fails to comply with the “Notice of Violation” within twenty-four (24) hours after its posting, the Code official may cause the snow and ice to be removed.

The costs of removal will be charged to the property owner. (Ref. City of Frederick Charter Sec. 22.16) CAN I SHOVEL SNOW INTO CITY RIGHT OF WAYS?No – it is unlawful for any person to place and/or deposit snow in or upon any street, sidewalks or other public ways. Violations of this is declared to be a municipal infraction. The penalty for violation shall be the sum up to five-hundred dollars ($500.00).

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON REGARDING SNOW?
You can do one of the following:

Check the City’s website at www.cityoffrederick.com

Call the City’s Emergency Information line at 301-600-1300

Listen to local radio stations – FM WFRE 99.9, FM KEY 103.1, FM 103.9

Sign up for alerts at www.frederickcountymd.gov/alert

Watch cable channel 99 or 25 WHAG

ARE THERE DEADLINES FOR THE CITY TO REMOVE THE SNOW? After the snow has stopped falling, and drifting has ceased, it is anticipated that City streets will be plowed and/or treated with ice melting chemicals according to the following schedule:

0” – 3” Streets cleared or treated within 12 hours

3” – 6” Streets cleared or treated within 24 hours

6” – 9” Streets cleared or treated within 36 hours*

> 9” As quickly as possible *These times do not include time required to load and haul snow out of the Downtown commercial and/or residential areas.

As a resident, business, or contractor in the City of Frederick there are a couple of snow removal regulations that you should be familiar with. If you have any questions please feel free to contact The Department of Public Works at 301-600-1440.

Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks (City Code 22-16.) A person owning or occupying a lot or part of a lot abutting a city sidewalk shall remove the snow and ice from the abutting sidewalk for a width of four (4) feet, or the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less. Failure to remove the snow and ice as required could result in a fine not exceeding $100. If the owner or occupant still fails to remove the snow and/or ice the city may have the snow/ice removed. The cost will be charged to the property owner.

Placing snow in public way (City Code 22-16.1) A person may not plow, shovel or otherwise deposit snow or ice onto a public street or sidewalk. Violation of this is a municipal infraction and subject to a fine not to exceed $500. A person violating this and the owner of the property from which the snow or ice originated from are jointly liable for any costs incurred by the City in (1) removing the snow or ice; and (2) repairing any damage to City property that results from this violation.

Snow Emergency Declaration (City Code 13-17. & 13-18.) When a snow emergency is declared, all vehicles parked along snow emergency routes must be moved starting two (2) hours after the snow emergency declaration. Please remove all vehicles within the required time. Prohibited parking shall remain in effect until the Snow Emergency has been lifted. Cars in violation may be towed at the owners expense.

Snow Emergency Routes Below is a list of Snow Emergency Routes in The City of Frederick.